The CCLab participated in the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Annual International Conference 2025, held 26-29 Auguest at the University of Birmingham . The conference hosted sessions bringing together geographers, social scientists, and practitioners to engage with themes around creativity, spatial justice, and the changing geographies of the built envionment.

Together with participants and case studies from across the world, we explored the transformative role of social infrastructure(SI) in times of disruption – from climate change and energy crises to digitalization and urban fragmentation. Traditionally understood as the spaces, services, and networks that enable community life and resilience, SI is now being reimagined through creative, experimental, and collaborative practices. Together, we discussed:
(1) New and hybrid forms of SI – from flexible community hubs to climate-resilient infrastructures and digital platforms.
(2) Creative approaches to co-production, design, and use of SI.
(3) The role of SI as a catalyst for inclusion, resilience, and innovation across various contexts.

Special thanks to my co-convenors Patricia Simoes Aelbrecht (Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd), Karien Dekker (RMIT University) and Karina Landman (University of Pretoria ) and to all contributors and participants including Rianne van Melik, Ebba Högström, Lina Berglund-Snodgrass, Stijn Oosterlynck, Jozef Vandermeulen and More!

Two online presentations by Alper Al and Liyuan Ma focused on our ongoing work on augmented reality for co‑design of public space and digital tools for energy transition.